Gujarat: State Forest Dept to produce 10 lakh saplings annually through new hi-tech nursery

Gujarat is set to establish its first hi-tech nursery in Davas village of Deesa taluka in Banaskantha district to strengthen      afforestation efforts and conserve rare plant species.

The project will cover around 13 acres and is estimated to cost Rs 3.5 crore. It will be implemented under the supervision of the Gujarat Forest Department and the Social Forestry Department, under the guidance of the state’s Forest and Environment Minister Pravin Mali. Officials said the nursery will serve as a model initiative for environmental conservation and scientific afforestation in the state.

The primary objective of the project is to produce high-quality, disease-free and robust saplings using advanced technologies, controlled environments and scientific cultivation methods. The initiative is expected to support large-scale tree plantation programmes and strengthen environmental protection efforts across Gujarat.

Once operational, the nursery will produce more than 10 lakh saplings annually. Modern facilities such as mist chambers, germination chambers, polyhouses and net houses will be installed to ensure optimal plant growth even under adverse weather conditions.

Special techniques such as soil-less media cultivation, which allows plants to grow without soil, will also be used to help conserve plant species that are nearing extinction while ensuring faster and healthier growth. The nursery will also include a seed bank and a seed processing unit, enabling the scientific preservation and storage of rare and valuable seeds for long-term use.

In addition, a Nursery Information Centre will be established to provide guidance to students, farmers and environmental enthusiasts on plant cultivation, afforestation and environmental conservation practices. A vermicomposting unit will also be developed at the facility to produce organic fertiliser for healthier plant growth.